Machine tool headstock control mechanism



Sept. 8, 1959 A v. voN KRoGH sUNDT 2,902,873

MACHINE -TooL HEADsTocK CONTROL MECHANISM Filed oct. 29, 1956 7 shees-sheet 1 FIG. l

INVENTOR. VIGO VON KROGH SUNDT BY @new Sm! Sept. 8, 1959 v. voN KROGH suNDT 2,902,373

MACHINE TooL HEADsTocx CONTROL MECHANISM 4Filed oct. 29, 195e 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Isl |s 1N l m 0mm PJ mm O mm m m. lr Un| Hfu,. n| JH. u u III||H|| il wlil t W www H||||| un u H 1 l l l 1 u 15M l W|H| N NN om N INVENTOR. VIGO VON KRUGH SUNDT l v. voN KRoGH suNDT 2,902,873

MACHINE ToorJ HEADsTooK CONTROL MECHANISM Filed oct'. 29, 195e sept. s, 1959 'T Sheets-Sheet 5 v lNvENToR VIGO VON KROGH SUNDT BY 2mg/1 STM Dqfornegs Sept. 8, 1959 v. voN KRoGH sUNDT 2,902,373

MACHINE TooL HEADsToCx CONTROL MECHANISM Filed oct. 29, 195e 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 mai Sept. 8, 1959 v. voN KRoGH suND'r 2,902,873

MACHINE TooL HEADsTocx CONTROL MECHANISM Y med oct. 29, 195el 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. VIGO VON KROGH SUNDT uw www HNI www Spt. 8,l 195.9

v. voN KRoGH suND'r 2,902,873

MACHINE TOOL HEADSTOCK CONTROL MECHANISM -Filed Oct. 29, 1956 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR.

VIGO VON KROGH SUNDT BY Sca/61.

Sept. 8, 1959 v. voN KRoGH suNDT i MACHINE rrooL HEAnsTocx CONTROL MECHANISM md oct. 29, 195s 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 F/aa . INVENTOR. VIGO VON KROGH SUNDT l 2,902,873 IC Patented Sept- 8 1959i MACHINE TOOL HEADSTOCK CONTROL MECHANISM Vigo von Krogh Sundt, Madison, Wis., assignor to Gisholt Machine Company, Madison, Wis., a corporation of Wisconsin Application October 29, 1956, Serial No. 618,817

23 Claims. (Cl. 74-364) This invention relates to a machine tool headstock control mechanism, and more particularly to a hydraulic control system for the headstock of a lathe or the like.

The invention contemplates a novel headstock mechanism utilizing a plurality of hydraulic valves for selectively operating the various clutches, gears and brake for control of the lathe spindle. The mechanism is highly flexible and provides a plurality of forward and reverse spindle speeds, a manual spindle rotation control, a spindle inching mechanism, a substantially automatic hydraulic transmission gear shift control, a governor to safeguard against premature functions in the system and other novel features described hereinafter.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a lathe headstock utilizing the invention;

Fig. 2 is a developed longitudinal section of the headstock and showing the clutches and the brake mechanism;

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic View of the left upper portion of the hydraulic system and showing one of the gear shifter units in two different sections;

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the right upper portion of the hydraulic system;

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the left lower portion of the hydraulic system;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the right lower portion of the hydraulic system;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the speed selector cam body; and

Fig. 8 is a detail sectional view of the governor shown with the wings yopen during a high speed of spindle rotation.

As shown inthe drawings, the invention may be utilized in a lathe 1 having a spindle 2 for supporting and rotating the work and which is driven by mechanism within a headstock 3 from a suitable source of power such as motor 4 mounted on the base of the lathe.

The mechanism within the housing of headstock 3 comprises, in general, a forward drive clutch 5, a reverse drive clutch 6, a high speed drive clutch 7, a low speed drive clutch 8 and three double gear shifter transmissions, designated as 9, 10 and 11 for driving spindle 2 at selectively different speeds. A brake 12 is mounted on spindle 2 and is actuated by fluid pressure to secure the same against rotation when the drive is in neutral.

The forward and reverse clutches 5 and 6 are connected between motor 4 and spindle 2 and are actuated hydraulically by fluid pressure in a manner to be described by a lever 13 mounted on the front of the headstock housing. Similarly, the high and low speed clutches 7 and 8 are connected between motor 4 and spindle 2 and are actuated by a trip lever 14 and by a handwheel 15 mounted on the housing. The gear shifter transmissions 9, 10 and 11 are controlled in a manner to be described by handwheel 15 which is manually operable.

The arrangement and detail construction of the clutches and gears in the headstock is relatively unimportant. As shown in Fig. 2, the drive shaft 16 is driven by an external pulley 17 from motor 4, and has the forward clutch 5 and reverse clutch 6 mounted thereon. Forward clutch 5 drives a shaft 18 in one direction through suitable gearing 19, while reverse clutch 6 drives shaft 18 in the opposite direction through suitable chain and sprocket gears 20. The clutches 5 and 6 are operated alternatively with a neutral position in which neither clutch is engaged.

The rotatably xed member 21 of high speed clutch 7 is keyed to shaft 18, while the floating member 22 of clutch 7 is mounted on suitable bearings on shaft 18 and may rotate independently thereof. The rearward portion of member 22 is mounted within the forward portion of a sleeve 23 and is keyed thereto. Sleeve 23 has a gear 24 on its forward end and extends rearwardly from member 22 and is oatingly mounted on shaft 18. Engagement of clutch 7 will drive oating member 22 and sleeve 23 at the same speed and in the same direction as shaft 18.

A gear 25 is keyed to shaft 18 and engages the floating gear portion 26 of low speed slutch 8 mounted on a shaft 27. Shaft 27 is shown as mounted axially of drive shaft 16 and has the fixed member 28 of clutch 8 keyed thereto. Engagement of clutch 8 will rotate shaft 27 and drive gear 24 and sleeve 23 through a gear 29 keyed to shaft 27. The ratio of gear 25 to gear 26 and gear 29 to gear 24 is such as to establish a substantial reduction in speed of rotation of sleeve 23 when low clutch 8 is engaged relative to the speed of rotation of the sleeve when high speed clutch 7 is engaged.

The clutches 7 and 8 are operated alternatively to effect driving of sleeve 23 at either a high or low speed.

Sleeve 23 is provided with an extension 30 having a pair of concentrically mounted keyed gears of dierent size which are selectively engaged by the gears on double gear shifter transmission 9. Transmission 9 is mounted on the splined central portion of a shaft 31 and drives shaft 31 by meshing with the gears on extension 30. Shifter transmission 9 may be moved along the splined portion of shaft 31, to effect meshing of different gears, by means of a shifter shoe 32 which engages one of the gears thereon. Operation of shifter shoe 32 will be described more fully hereinafter.

Double gear shifter transmission 10 is mounted on a rotatable splined shaft 33 and is adapted to engage one of a pair of gears on a gear member 34 mounted rearwardly on shaft 31. Transmission 10 may be shifted along shaft 33 to effect meshing with one of the pair of gears on member 34 by means `of a shifter shoe 35 which engages one of the pair in a manner to be described hereinafter. Rotation of shaft 31 is thus transmitted via gear member 34 and transmission 10 to shaft 33.

Double gear shifter transmission 11 is mounted on the forward portion of shaft 33 and is adapted to engage one of a pair of lgears on a gear member 36 mounted forwardly on spindle 2 within headstock 3. Transmission 11 may be shifted along shaft 33 to effect meshing with one of the pair of gears on member 36 by means of a shifter shoe 37 which engages one of the pair in a manner to be described hereinafter. Rotation of shaft 33 is thus transmitted via transmission 11 and gear member 36 to spindle 2.

Spindle 2 is mounted in suitable bearings in the headstock casing and carries the brake 12 which comprises a brake drum 38 encircled by a brake band 39. Brake band 39 is tightened upon drum 38 by means of a piston 4i) mounted in a power cylinder 41, and is loosened upon drum 38 by means of a spring 42 which opposes the 3 movement of the piston 'under the influence of fluid pressure in the cylinder.

As best seen in Figs. 3, 4, 5 and 6, of the drawings, the hydraulic control mechanism for the headstock 3 includes a pump 43 Vwhich supplies oil or 'other hydraulic Vfluid 'under constant v"pressure through a line 44 Vto 'a plural'ity of `selected valves, -to be described hereinafter. A reservoir VYor sump 45 is disposed within headstock 3 and supplies nid to ypu'rrip 43 through a line 46. Sump 45 receives u'id'frorn the drain ports of certain selected valves 'either through a -lirie 47 or by the Huid falling down to the sump directly from the valve.

Hereinafter, when it 'is stated that a certain valve-port receives fluid under constantpressure, it will be clear that the uid is supplied through line 44 from pump 43. Likewise, when Vit is stated that a 'certain 'valvepor-t is con- 'nectd to drain, it will be clear that the YViluid in the port 'williflow to sump 45 either through line'47 or by direct gravity Ifall through the headstock.

'The hydraulic control mechanism for operating forward and reverse yclutches 5 and6 and brake 12 includes, lin "general: a forwardandreverse pilot valve 48, a pressure regulator pilot valve 49, -a clutch control valve 50, a free spindle 'valve 51, a brake pilot valve 52 and an inching valve 53.

Forward and reverse pilot valve 48 is disposed in la valve housing 54 and comprises a spool-type piston 55 adapted to reciprocate `within the housing and normally biased'in'a downward position by aspring 56, as shown in Fig. '4.

A-port57 Ain housing Y54 connects a centrally disposed circumferential groove in piston 55 with a centrally disposed circumferential groove inthe spool-type piston 58 of pressure regulator `pilot valve 49, also disposed in housing 54. YPiston 58 is adapted to reciprocate-inhousing 54, and is'normally biased upwardlyby a spring 59.

A port 60-inhousing 54 receives fluid under constant pressure Vand carries it tothe groove in piston 58, the fluid passinghence through port 57 to the groove in pis- ,ton '55. The'fluid passes from valve 48 through-a port 61 in housing 54, and'then `through a line '62 and into port y63 of clutch control valve 50.

Valve 50 selectively conducts lluid under 'normally onstant pressure from pump 43 to brake 12 and clutches 5 and 6, and comprises a spool-type valve stem 64 disposed to reciprocate within a suitable sleeve'or housing 65. flhe right end portion of valve stem 64 extends beyond 'housing 65 and is secured'to forward-reverse lever `13.

The left end portion of valve stem 64 extends' outwardly beyond housing 65 to adjacent a high speed reversing safety lock valve 66, the functioning and purpose of which will be described hereinafter.

In its neutral position, shown in Fig. '6, valve 50 admits the fluid at port 63 which passes around a circumferential-groove in valve stem 64 and out through p orts 67 in housing 65. Port 67 connects with a port inrthe housing 69 of free spindle valve'51. A spooltype valve stem 70 is adapted to reciprocate in housing 69 andnormally is disposed -to the left as shown in Fig-6. Fluid passing in through port 68 passes around a circumferential groove in valve stem 70 and hence through a `port 71Kin housing 69 to a line `72 which leads'to a port 73 in brake pilot valve52. Valve 52'is connected between valve 50 and Vbrake 12 vand comprises a suitable housing 74 having a spooltype-piston 75 adapted to reciprocate therein and normallybiased downwardly by a spring 76, as shown in Fig. 6. Fluid passing in throughport 73 passes through a chamber formed by piston 75 and then outwardly through a port 77 and through a line 78 to a port '79 in inching valve 53.

Valve 53 is manually operable and is connected between valve 50 and brake 12 and clutch 5. Valve 53 comprises a suitable housing 80 having a spool-type valve stem 81 disposed for reciprocating movement therein.

.The upper end pertien of valve stern 81 extends above housing and has a spring 82 disposed circumferentially therearound which biases valve stem 81 upwardly. A suitable spool 83 is secured to valve stern 81 at the lower end thereof outside housing 80, spool 83 being connected to an inching lever 84 mounted on headstock 3.

Inching valve 53 remains in 'its normal position shown in Fig. 6, i.e., open between valve 50 and brake 12, except during 'a s'pinkzlle inching operation which will be described hereinafter.

-Flu'id from line 78 enters port`79 of valve 53 and passes through achainberformed by valve vstem 81 and then outwardly through a port 85 and through a line 86 to a port 87 leading to piston v40 in brake cylinder 41, opposing the action of spring 42 to apply the brake.

At the same time a-port 88 in clutch control valve 59 will be connected through a longitudinal passage 89 in valve stem 64 and through a port 90 and a line 91 to cascade 92. Port '88 leads from valve 50 through a line 93 to l'a port V94 in inching valve 53 and hence through a chamber formed by valve stem 81fto a port 95 and then through a line 96 to aport 97 in forward clutch 5.

In addition, a port 98 in clutch control valvey 50 is similarly connected Vto cascade 92 through port A90 vand line '91. Port 98 leads "from valve 50 through a line 99 to a port 100 in vreversce clutch 6.

Cascade 92 yis disposed within Vheadstock 3 and above the various clutches and gears 'and provides a spray of uid to lubricate -the same.

vlt will be seen that when valve 50 is in neutral Vposition, clutches 5 and 6 will normally be disengaged and brake v12 vwill normally be lapplied to prevent rotation ofspindle 2. A'port10'11in valve 50 and connected to line 62 is blocked off by valve stem 64.

When it is desired to start rotation 'of spindle 2 in a forward direction, lever 13 is shifted from the neutral or central position to the right or forward position. This shifts valve stem'64 t`o the right sothat uid entering port 63 fromline 62-is connected through a drain hole 102.in valve -stem 64 to passage'89'and hencethroughf'port 90 and line 91 to cascade 92.

The fluid between ports 68 and 71 and brake 'piston 40, described-above, will also be connected through hole 102 to cascade 92, thereby allowing spring v42 to push piston 40'upwardly and release the spindle brake.

Fluid passing in port 101 fnom line 62 will-'now be connected'through a chamber formed byvalve stem 64 to port 88 and hence through-line 93 and -through ports 94 4and 95 Vof inchingvalve 53to line 96 and port 97 to engage forward clutch 5. Port 98 in clutch control valve 50 remains open todrain, assuring that lreverse clutch 6 will continueto be disengaged.

When it is desired to start rotation of spindle 2 in a reverse directionfl'ever 13 is shifted to the left or reverse position. This -shifts valve 'stem 64 to'the left. Fluid entering port -63 Ais again connected to passage v'89 through a drain-hole 103 in valve stem 64 Aand passes on through port90-and line 91 tocascade 92. Brake port 87-will 'again VVlne-Connected to the cascade through inching valve 53,;ports6'8 and 71'and hole I103, so that brake 12 will be released.

'Fluid passingin port 101 from line V62 will -now be connected through achamber formed by valve stem 64 toport 98-and hence through line 99to port 100-in reverse Yclutch A6 to engage the -clutch for reverse `rotation of spindleZ.

Port 88 in'valve 50 will' again be connected tocascade 92 through passage 89,'port 90 and-line 91, so that forwardY clutch- 5 will be'disengaged.

Y It will' thus AbeseenV that whenvalve 50 is in a position other than neutral,i.e., the forward or reverse spindle drivevpositionfthe respective forward or reverse'clutch 5 -or-6 will normally be engaged 'and-brake 12 will normallly be automaticallydisengaged.

-The hydraulic -control Y mechanism -for operating high and low clutches 7 and 8 includes, in` general: a high-.low

clutch pilot valve 104, a distributor timer valve 105, a speed selector cam 106, and a high-low pilot valve 107.

High-low clutch pilot valve 104 is connected between pump 43 and clutches 7 and 3 and comprises a suitable housing 108 and a spool-type piston 109 adapted to reciprocate within the housing. When piston 109 is positioned to the left, a port 110 in housing 108 will connect through a chamber formed by piston 109 to a port 111 which leads through line 91 to cascade 92. Port 110 leads through a line 112 leading to port 113 in low clutch 8.

At the same time, fluid may enter a port 114 in housing 108 and pass through a chamber formed by piston 109 to a port 115 which connects through a line 116 to a port 117 in high speed clutch 7. Fluid enters port 114 from a line 118 which leads from a port 119 in high-low pilot valve 107 Valve 107 is connected between pump 43 and valve 104 and comprises a piston 120 disposed to reciprocate within housing 54 and normally biased downwardly by a spring 121. In its normal position, valve 107 admits constant pressure fluid through a port 122, the fluid passing around a groove formed by piston 120 and to port 119 and hence to port 114 in high-low clutch pilot valve 104. During a cycle, described hereinafter, valve 107 prevents the ilow of fluid to the selectively engaged clutch 7 or 8 when brake 12 is engaged.

When piston 109 is to the left, low clutch 8 will thus be disengaged and high clutch 7 may be engaged.

When high speed clutch 7 is to be disengaged by the action of valve `104, uid may enter either a port 123 or a port 124 to push piston 109 to the right as shown in Fig. 5. Fluid behind or to the right of piston 109 will pass through a port 125 and hence through a line 126 to a port 127 in cam 106, the latter connecting to drain in a manner to be described. Under these conditions, fluid in high clutch 7 is connected from port 117 through line 116 to port 115 in valve 104, and hence through a groove formed by piston 109 to a port 128 and through line 91 to cascade 92. At the same time fluid may enter port 114 and pass through a groove formed by piston 109 to port 110, line 112, and port 113 in low speed clutch 8 to engage the clutch.

Fluid enters port 123 in valve 104 through a line 129 which connects with a port 130 in the housing 131 of distributor timer valve 105. Port 130 is connected to a source of fluid pressure through a groove formed by the piston 132 of valve 105, under certain conditions described hereinafter. Fluid may enter port 124 in valve 104 through a line 133 which connects with a port 134 in speed selector cam 106, Awhich is described more fully hereinafter.

To provide engagement of high speed clutch 7 from the `disengaged position, uid enters port 125 from cam 106 in a manner to be described, pushing piston 109 to the left. Port 124 will be connected through cam 106 to drain.

It can thus be seen that when piston 109 is positioned to the left, low clutch 8 will be connected to cascade 92 and disengaged, and high clutch 7 will be engaged if fluid is passing in through port 114. When piston 109 is positioned to the right, high clutch 7 will be connected to cascade 92 and disengaged, and low clutch 8 will be engaged if uid is passing in through port 114.

In some instances, as where it is desirable that neither high nor low clutches 7 and 8 be engaged, iluid is prevented from entering port 114. This is accomplished under conditions described hereinafter l'by fluid passing from a port 135 in distributor timer valve 105 and through a line 136 to a port 137 in high-low pilot valve 107. Fluid passing in port 137 pushes piston 120 upwardly against the force of spring 121 and cuts off the constant pressure iluid normally ilowing from port 122 to port 119 and hence to port 114 in valve 104.

. Gear shifter transmissions 9, and 11 are adapted to be moved along their respective shafts by shifter shoes 32, 35 and 37, respectively, which engage the transmissions. Shifting of transmission 9 provides engagement with one or the other of the pair of gears on extension 30 of sleeve 23, shifting of transmission 10 provides engagement with one or the other of the pair of gears on member 34 on shaft 31, and shifting of transmission 11 provides engagement with .one or the other of the pair of gears on member 36 on spindle 2 for rotatably driving the latter.

Shoes 32, 35 and 37 are moved to effect shifting of their respective transmissions by gear shifter units 138, 139 and 140 respectively. Shoe 32 is secured to the outer extremity of a piston 141 which is adapted to reciprocate in a housing 142, shoe 35 is secured to the outer extremity of a piston 143 which is adapted to reciprocate in a. housing 144, and shoe 37 is connected to the outer eX- tremity of a piston 145 which is adapted to reciprocate in a housing 1116. Shoe 37 extends downwardly from piston 145, as shown in Fig. 3, and is slidably connected to an axially outwardly extending rod portion of the primary piston 147 or" a free spindle pilot valve 148 which operates in conjunction with free spindle valve 51 and will be described more fully hereinafter.

The gear shifter units are actuated hydraulically by the operation of valve 105 to provide eight different spindle speeds selectively controlled by speed selector cam 106. Cam 105 is disposed in a hydraulic line between valve 155 and units 133, 139 and 1430 and comprises a suitable housing 149 having a cylindrical cam body 150 disposed for rotation therein. Housing 149 has a plurality of portsl therein which pass inwardly from the outer surface thereof and register with a selected number of grooves and/ or drain openings in cam body 150.

Fig. 7 shows cam body 150 in perspective, while the section of the cam body shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. 3 indicates only one of sixteen possible positions of the cam, i.e., that position Where it is desirable to shift all of the transmission gears from one position to another during a shifting operation.

Assume that cam body 150 has been turned to the position shown in Fig. 3 by manually turning handwheel 15 to which the cam body is connected. Fluid is supplied to cam 106 through a line 151 from distributor timer valve 105 in a manner to be described hereinafter. Fluid enters a port 152 and passes through a groove in cam body 150 to a port 153 and hence through a line 154 to a port 155 in gear shifter unit 133 to push piston 141 to the right, as shown in Fig. 3. Gear shifter transmission 9 will be thereby moved to the right. A port 156 disposed adjacent 'die right half of piston 141 will be connected through a line 157 to a port 158 in cam 106 which in turn connects through a drain hole in cam body 150 to drain.

Fluid also enters a port 159 from line 151 and passes through a groove in cam body 150 to port 160 and hence through a line 161 to a port 162 in gear shifter unit 139m push piston 143 to the left, as shown in Fig. 3, thereby shifting gear shifter transmission 10 to the left. A port 163 disposed adjacent the left end portion of piston 143 will be connected through a line 164 to a port 165 in cam 106, which in turn connects through a drain hole in cam body 150 to drain.

ln like manner, fluid enters a port 166 from line 151, and passes through a groove in cam body 150 to a port 167 and hence through a line 168 to a port 169 in gear shifter unit 140 to push piston 145 to the left, as shown in Fig. 3, thereby shifting gear shifter transmission 11 to the left. A port 170 adjacent the left end of piston 145 will be connected through a line 171 to a port 172 in cam 106 which in turn connects through a drain hole in cam body 150 to drain.

With the above described setting of speed selector cam 106 each of the three transmissions will be shifted simultaneously in a specific direction to effect a given selected speed of spindle 2. A dilerent setting of cam 106 would result in one of the other following possible positions of gears 9, Y-and 411: n

(a) Transmission 9 Yto the left with transmissions 10 Vand 11 to the right, the opposite of the iinal positions Idescribed above, or

(b) Transmissions 9 and 10 to the left with trans- 'miss'ion11 to the right,or

(c) Transmissions 9 and 11 to the vleft with transmission A10 to the right, or

(d) Transmissions 9 and 10 to the right with transmission 11 to the left, or

(e.) Transmissions 9 and 11 to the right with transmission -10 to the left, or

A(f) 4Transmissions 9, 10 and 11 to the left, or

Ig) Transmissions 9, 10 and 11 to the right.

To obtain each of the above desired eight positions, correspondinig to eight different spindle speeds, cam lb'ody 150 will be set'so that the various grooves and drain holes therein will register differently with the various .ports in housing 149 to move pistons 141, 143 and 145 accordingly.

Visual indication of the desired speed is provided by vsuitable markings on handwheel member 15, together with markings on a fixed speed indicator plate 173 mounted beneath handwheel 15 on headstock 3 and observable through openings in the handwheel.

The eight speeds produced by cam 106 are complemented by high and low speed clutches 7 and 8 to produce a total of sixteen selectively different predetermined spindle speeds in each direction. These clutches will be selectively engaged depending on the position of cam b'o'dy 150.

Fig. 3 shows one of the low speed group positions of cam body 150 necessary to produce engagement of low speed `clutch 8. Fluid passing through line 151 from distributor timer valve 105 passes into a port 174 in housing 149, `through a groove in cam body 150 to port 134 and hence through line 133 to port 124- in valve 104- to push piston 109 to the right. At the same time, port 125 would be connected through line 126 and port 127 to a drain "hole in cam body 150 and hence to drain.

lf high speed clutch '7 is to be engaged, cam body 150 will be positioned to allow fluid from line 151 to connect through port 174 to port 127 and hence to port 125 in valve 104 to push piston 109 to the left. At the same time, 4port 124 would be connected through port 134 to drain. This position of cam 106 is not shown in the drawings.

Turning of handwheel 15 from one position to another will elect an automatic gear change within headstock 3 to produce a new spindle speed. The hydraulic control system forproducing this automatic gear change includes distributor'timer valve 105, as well as direct-preset valve 175, timer poppet valve 176, pressure regulating valve 177, shut-'oft valve 178, distributor pilot valve 179, highlow shock valve 180, and governor 181.

The distributor timer valve 105 is the heart of the automatic gear change control, and is actuated by fluid pressure to produce an hydraulic cycle for shifting the transmission gears to change the spindle speed. Valve 105 is connected to constant pressure through a port 182 disposed at the left of piston 132. The normal position of val-ve 105 is shown in Fig. 3. In this positiomports 130, 135 and 183 are connected to drain through a longitudinal opening in piston 132 and a port 184 in housing 131. A port 185 is connected to drain through a separate port 186. A port 187 is connected to port 185 through an extension of line 151 and thus is also connected to drain through port 186. A port 188 is connected to port 187 through a groove in piston 132, and is therefore'also connected to drain through port 186.

Since port 130 is connected to drain, port 123 in highlow'clutch pilot valve 104 is connected to drain through line 129,and'a port '189 in Ypressure regulator pilot valve 49 isv also connected to drain through line r129 so -that the valve piston 58..is in .its normal position, -i.e., `biased upwardly by the 4spring59 :in housing 54. Valve 4'9 is disposed-in an hydraulic line between pump 43 and yclutches 5 and 6 and Vis normally open therebetween.

Since port 135 in valve 105 is connected to drain, `a port 192 in the lower end portion of brake pilot .valve V52 is connected to drain through line 136 so that the valve piston will be in its normal downwardly biased position. A .port V193 in the lower portion 0f forward and reverse ,pilot valve 48 is also connected 'through line 136 to valve 105 and to drain 'so that the valve piston 55 will be in its normally downwardly biased position. In addition, port 137 in `high-low pilot valve 107 Ais connected to drain through line 136 so that valve piston is in its normally downwardly biased position. Port also leads through line 136 to a port 194 in the housing 195 of Vhigh-low shock valve .180. Since port 135 is connected .to drain, the piston 196 in valve 180 will be in -its upward position, shown in Fig. 4, at low spindle speeds.

Since .port 183 is connected to drain, a port `19.7 in the lower portion of shut-011 valve 178 will be connected to drain through a line 198. In addition, a port 199 in distributor pilot valve 179 and disposed adjacent the upper end of the valve vpiston 200 in housing 54, will be connected to drain through line `198, so that piston 200 will be at its upward-position, shown in Fig. 4, at .relatively lowspindlespeedsas determined by governor 181, "to be described.

Port 185 in valve 105 connects with line -151 tothe various :intake `ports 174, 152, 159 and 166 of speed selector cam 106, andsince port is Vconnected to Sdrain, gear shifter `units .138, Y139 and 140 andhigh-low lclutch pilot valve 104 will be prevented from drifting movement.

Port 188 connects through a line 201 to a port y202 inthe upper portion of shut-ott valve y178, thereby draining the chamber Aabove the valve piston 203. rIn the normal position of valve 178, shown in Fig. 4, constant pressure uid entering at a port 204 will be blocked `by piston 203.

Fluid in a line 205 between a port 206 lin valve 105 and a port 4207 in shut-01T valve 178 is blocked by pistons 132 and i203, respectively.

A port208ris disposed-slightly inwardly from the iight end portion of valve housing 131, and -connects through a line 209 to a port 210 in valve 180. -Fluid in line 209 will be blocked olf by piston 196 in valve 180 at relatively low vspindle speeds `as determined by governor `181, tozbeldescribed.

A port 211 is disposed adjacent the right end portion of the piston chamber of housing 131 and connects through a line 212 to a port 213 adjacent the upper portion lof direct-preset valve 175. Valve 175 includes .a cam 214 adapted to vselectively seat or unseat a springpressed ball 215 to either allow uid to pass from port 213 to-a port 216 in housing 54 or to block fluid off. Cam 214 isconnected to a preset lever 217 mounted on headstock 3. When lever 217 is in the preset position, cam 214 will be `turned so ball 215 is seated, preventing Huid from passing from y-port 213 to port 216. When lever `217 is in the direct position, cam 214 will be turned so ball 215 is unseated, allowing fluid to pass from port213 toport 216.

For lthe present, 4it will be assumed that lever 217 is in the direct iposition. 'Port 216 connects through a line 218 to a port -219 in timer poppet valve 176. Valve 176 operates to initiate the hydraulic cycle and is connected to -valve 105. Valve 176 comprises a suitable housing 220-having Aa valve stem 221 adapted toreciprocate ltherein and normally biased downwardly by a spring 222 disposed in the-housing. A nubbin 223 is disposed on the lower end portion of -valve stem^221-sand extends outwardly-from housing 220-to=engage the .notches on a 9 rotatable 224. Cam 224 is connected to handwheel 15 and is adapted to be rotated thereby in a manner similar to cam body 150 of speed selector cam 106. Each notch on cam 224 corresponds to a dilferent position of speed selector cam 106 for gear change purposes.

When valve stem 221 is in its normal downward position, port 219 is blocked, thereby preventing passage of fluid from port 211 in distributor timer valve 105 through direct-preset valve 175 to timer poppet valve 176. At the same time, nubbin 223 is biased downwardly to a position between the notches of cam 224, as shown in Fig. 4.

Port 211, disposed adjacent the right end portion of the piston chamber of housing 131, also connects through a line 226 to a port 227 in valve 179 which has a timer plug 228 disposed therein to restrict passage of fluid from port 227 to port 211. Y

When piston 200 of distributor pilot valve 179 is in its upward position, iiuid under constant pressure will enter the valve at a port 229 and connect through a groove formed by the piston to port 227 and hence to port 211, passing through plug 228, to hold piston 132 at its leftmost or normal position.

Governor 181 is mounted adjacent the right end portion of shaft 31 within headstock 3, and rotates sirnultaneously with spindle 2. The governor comprises 4a pair of wings 230 secured to the end of the shaft and v which are in closed position when spindle 2 is not turning and which gradually open as the speed of the spindle increases. The inner portionof wings 230 are engaged by the outer end of a spool type valve stem 231 which is biased against the wings by a spring 232 mounted in a suitable sleeve disposed within the valve housing 233. Opening of the wings moves valve stem 231 rearwardly against spring 232.

Housing 233 has a port 234 therein which connects to constant pressure line y44. l A second port 235 connects through a line 236 to a port 237 in the lower end portion of high-low shock valve 180 and also to a port 238 in the lower end portion of distributor pilot valve 179. When spindle 2 is rotating at one of the eight low speeds, wings 230 will be only partially open and valve stern 231 will be disposed to connect port 235 with port 234 so that fluid will enter ports 237 and 238 to push pistons 196 and 200 to an upward position. When spindle 2 is rotating at one of the eight high speeds, shown in Fig. 8, wings 230 will be relatively further open and valve stem 231 will be disposed to block constant pressure fluid coming in port 234 and to open port 235 to drain through a passage 239 in valve stem 231. This will drain ports 237 and 238 in valves 180 and 179, and pistons 196 and 200 will either remain stationary or move downwardly, depending on whether iiuid is entering ports 194 and 199.

Line 236 also connects port 235 with a port l240 in high speed reversing safety lock 66 which is controlled by the governor and disposed adjacent valve 50. Lock 66 is designed to prevent the operator from moving forwardreverse lever 13 from the forward to the reverse position when spindle 2 is moving at high speeds. The safety lock 66 is actuated by huid pressure and includes a latch member 241 secured to a housing and which is engaged by a biasing spring 242 and a piston 243 disposed within the housing. At high speeds, port 235 and thus port 240 are connected to drain, allowing spring 242 to bias latch 241 to a position behind clutch control valve stem 64, thereby preventing movement of valve stem 64 to the left or reverse position. At low speeds, ports 235 and 240 receive fluid under constant pressure from port 234 so that piston 243 pushes latch 241 out of the way of valve stem 64 to allow leftward movement of the latter.

Before describing the gear change cycle, the function of pressure regulating valve 177 will be described. Valve 177 comprises a passage 244 disposed vertically in housing 54 and having a ball check 245 Adisposed adjacent the 10 upper end thereof and a similar ball check 246 adjacent the lower end thereof.

When pressure regulator pilot valve 49 is in its normal position, constant pressure iluid will pass in port 60 and through port 57 to valve 48 and hence to valve 50 and either the forward or reverse clutch, as described above. At the same time, port 57 connects with a port 247 which leads from Valve `49 to above ball check 245. Fluid in port 247 is blocked by ball check 245.

During a gear change, to be described hereinafter, iluid passes from port in distributor timer valve 105 and through line 129 to port 189 in pressure regulator pilot valve `49, pushing piston 58 downwardly and blocking oi the constant pressure fluid entering at port 60. At the same time, iluid passing in port 189 will pass through a restriction member 248 in the upper end of piston 58 and Will pass through a longitudinal passage therein to a port v249, which connects centrally with the passage 244. This fluid will pass upwardly through ball check 245 and hence through ports 247 and 57 and on to clutch control valve 50. At the same time, uid may also pass downwardly through ball check 246 to a port 250 which leads to drain, thus bleeding off some of the constant pressure Huid to reduce the pressure going to the forward and reverse clutches. The amount of reduced pressure incident on the clutches 5 and 6 may be regulated by adjusting the tension of the spring of ball check 246.

Valve 177 provides a by-pass for valve 49 when the latter is actuated by operation of valve 105.

For purposes of describing the change in spindle speed, it will be assumed that the spindle is already operating in a forward direction at one of the speeds requiring the use of high clutch 7. Valves 48, 49, 51, 52, 53, 105, 107 and 176 will be in their normal or neutral positions. `Clutch control valve 50 is in the forward position, i.e. to the right. High-low clutch pilot valve 104 is in the left or high position. Speed selector cam 106 is in any one of the eight possible high positions and gear shifter units 138, -139 and 140 are positioned accordingly. Directpreset valve 175 is in the direct position. Shut-off valve 178 is in its downward position; and distributor pilot valve -179 and high-low shock valve 180 are in their upward positions. Wings 230 of governor 181 will be open to their wider position.

To change the spindle speed to another one of the eight high speeds, handwheel 15 is turned to the desired new speed, changing the position of cam 106. This will also turn cam 224 and the notches therein will raise nubbinv 223 upwardly, pushing valve stem 221 to its uppermost position to connect port 219 to a port 251 and hence to drain. This drains port 211 behind or to the right of piston 132 of distributor timer valve 105, allowing fluid entering at port 182 to push piston 132 to the right.

As piston 132 moves to the right, it first uncovers port 130, allowing fluid to pass therethrough and:

(a) Through line `129 to a port 252 in gear shifter unit i140, which disengages a gear lock piston 253 from one of a pair of slots 254 in piston 145 to unlock gear shifter unit for subsequent movement;

(b) Through line y129 to port 123 in high-low clutch pilot valve 104, pushing piston 109' to the right to disengage high clutch 7 and engage low clutch 8. Valve 104 is operable by valve 105 during a cycle and by cam 106 to supply fluid selectively to clutches 7 and 8;

(c) Through line 129 to port 139 in pressure regulator pilot valve 49, blocking off constant pressure fluid entering at port 60 but allowing a reduced pressure to pass from port y61 in forward reverse pilot valve 48 to forward clutch 5 to produce a slight drag on the latter to allow the transmission gears to rotate slowly and slide into the respective gears on the various shafts within the headstock 'to prevent clashing of the transmission gears subsequently during the gear change.

As piston 132 moves further to the right, it uncovers port 135, allowing fluid to pass therethrough and:

amo-2317s 11' -j f (a) Through Aline 136 to port 1.94 in Lhigh-low shock valve 180, moving piston 196 downwardly and opening port 210'and therefore port 208 'in Avalve 105 to drain. .Thisfhas no effect on'the gear .change cycle;

y(b) Through line 136 to port 192 in brake .pilot valve 52, pushing piston 75 upwardly .against the force of spring 76. The liuid will pass behind the piston and through a restriction member 255 and hence through a passageway in the piston to a port 25-6. Port 256 .connects withfline .78 so that the 'pressure Viluid will pass -through inching valve 53 to brake .12 and-applyttheibrake to slow down lthe spindle. Ports 73 and 77 in'valve 52.are blocked oi by piston 75;

(c) Through line '.136 -to port 137 in -high-lowpilot valve -1-07, pushing piston ,1120 upwardly againstspring 5121. This Vwill block .constant pressure entering at port '.122 and will open port 1119to -drain through'a Vpassageway 257 in 4piston 120. 'Low speed clutch 8 is thus disengaged when the spindle brake is applied to prevent dragging of the clutch. The changefrom high speed clutch 7 to low clutch 8, described previously, occurs only a moment prior to the engagement of brake 12 and disengagement of lclutch y8, since Apiston 132 normally makes a complete cycle ina matter of seconds;

(d) Through Vline 136 .to port 193 in forward Vand reverse pilot -valve 48, :pushing the vpiston 55 upwardly against spring 56. This blocks fluid passing yfrom pump 43 through Yport 57 'and opens port V61 to 4drain -through a passageway 25S lin piston 55. rForward clutch '5 will be disengaged thereby.

As Apiston 132 moves 4farther to the right, .it .reaches the end of Vits stroke and uncovers port V183, allowing fluid .to pass therethrough and:

(a) Through line 198 to iport 1199 in distributor pilot valve 179, pushing `:piston200 downwardly landopening portl227 and thus .port 211 in valve 105 to drain, through a port 259. Constant pressure entering at port 229 is blocked;

b.) Through line 19S to lport v1.97 iin shut-ohc valve 178pushing piston .203 upwardly to :allowlconstant pressure iluid entering Vport .204 to pass through yport 207 and 'hence through line 205 to port 206 in distributor timer valve 105. Y

As the brake 12 is applied and spindle 2slows down, wings 230 of Vgovernor 1S1f'will graduallymove .toward their closed position, and at a certain low speed, `valve stem 231 will connect port :235 with port 234, allow ing fluid under constantpressure to pass to port 237 of high-low shock valve=130. Since the lower end portion of piston .196 4has a larger area thanrthe .upper end portion, piston 196 will be forced upwardly to again block off port 210 and also port :20S in valve`105.

At the same time, fluid will pass from port235 .toport 238 in distributor pilot valve `179. ASince the lower end portion of piston 200 -has a larger area vthan the upper end portion, piston 200 will be forced upwardly to again allow constant pressure fluid to pass from port 229 and through timer plug 225 to port 227 and hence to .port 211 in distributor timer valve 105.

Distributor pilot valve 179 functions during a gear change cycle to delay any return movement of vpiston 132 toward its initial position until the spindle is rotating at a low speed. When the spindle reaches low speed valve 179 will be actuated .by thegovernor to permit piston 132 to move to .the left, which will disengage the Vbralieand engagcfthelow speed clutch. There will be noshock on clutch 8, since spindle 2 has .been permitted to slow down .to a predetermined low speed before engagement of theclutch.

The .l right end Iportion' Vof piston 132 .has .a greater diameter than the left end portion so that yasuidtenters the -valve chamber from .port 211, ythe piston will be forced back against the pressure of uidtentering atiport 182, The fspeedof returnofpiston `132 will be :determined hyfthe size .of the Lrestrictionfin timer `plug 228.

flIZ

By this dime, .-nubbin .223 of timer poppet valve 176 .isfagaindi-sposed between ltwo :notches .on cam .224, and therefore port :211 in valve 105 is no longer connected .to drain .but -is blocked oit `by valve stern 221.

, vAs piston 132 moves 'to .the left, it rst connects port .183 with .-a passageway .-260'zin the piston which in turn connects .through -.a p groove .to .port 184 and hence to drain. Opening .-port 183 .to drain serves to drain Lport .199 in `distributor pilot valve 179 and to drain `portl19'7 .in shut-'011 vValve 178.

At the Sametime, piston 132 connects .port 206 with port 187 through a suitable groove or recess. Fluid .entering port 206 from shut-off valve 1.78 will pass through ,port 187V and:

(a) Through line 151 to a port 261 disposed in :the upper end portion `of .brakepilot valve .52. Since the areas adjacent both ends of piston .are equal, and since .equal pressure is incident -on thoth Aends thereof, the pressure due tospring 76 will force the piston downwardly Vto its .normal position. will prevent .fluid pressure atport 192 from connecting with -port256and .brake ;12. The .brake will again be connected through ports 77 and 73 to clutch control val-ve 50 and .drain, .thus 'releasing the :brake and leaving `spindle 2 .free to .turnwhen:transmission -1-1 meshes with one'ofthelgears ,on member 36 so that .the dragging Amotion of clutch 5 may continue;

1(11) Through-line.1151tosuitableports'incam 106 to produce azshiftrof .some=or:all-of,gear :shifter .units 138, '139 and -140 tochange the-positionrof the.corresponding gear shifter transmissions in vthe -headstocle .Fluid will also enter port '174 in cam 10.6 and Vpass loutwardly .through port 134 to ,port .-2124 in Ahigh-low .clutch 'pilot valve y104. When cam tbody .150 is in a high .speed group, uid will always enter port 125 :at this -portion of the cycle. However, sincethe left end portion-of vpiston.-109 is .larger in area than the right-end portion, .and since vluidis 'incident .on the left end of piston 109, .the piston 'will remain tothe :right As piston l132 moves .further =to the left, .it connects port .135 todrain through passageway 260 .and port `184. This will:

:(a) VDrain port -192rin brake pilot valve 52 producing no Achange in the tvalvefsince piston 75 .is already infits downward-position;

(b) Drain `port -194'in f'high-low shock valve .180 producing no change-inthevalve :since piston '19.61is already in its upward position;

(ci) Draingport .193 vinforward and reverse pilot valve 48to allow piston 55 to return to its normal-downward position -so that reduced rpressure-may pass from port 57 throughport 61 and hence to .'forwardfclutch l5 to ;give a slight drag on therclutch and turnthe,gearsin'theheadstock :slowly to permit them .to mesh without clashing;

'(df) Draimport -137 'in high-low pilot -valve 107 to-allow piston to return to nits normal downward position -to allow `constant .pressure entering port .-122 to pass through ,port 119 .to ,port I114 lin high-low clutch pilot :valve :104 to .engage :the .low clutch f8.

As piston 132.1novesffurther .to :the left, it connects port 130 .to vdrain .through passageway .260 :and 'port .10.4. This will:

(a) Drain :port ,252 Vleading to gear llock piston v253 to .release :the piston so ithatit engages .one .of the slots 2514 in ,piston .145 Aand :prevents .the latter from drifting;

f('b:) Drain"y port :123 in high-.low clutch :pilot` valve .1104

` toLalloWfluidentering at port to-pushipiston 10910 13 blocked by valve 49, cutting out the reduced drag pressure on forward clutch 5.

Just before piston 132 reaches the end of its return stroke, port 188 is indexed with port 206 so that Huid passes from port 206 through port 138 to port `202 of shut-off valve 178. This will return piston 203 to its normaldownward position and cut oif the How of lluid from port 207 to port 206.

Whenpiston 132 reaches the end of its return stroke, valve 105 will again be in its normal condition, as described above, and spindle 2 will be rotating at the designated new high speed.

A gear change from high to low speed, from low to another low, or from low to high will normally produce a functioning of the control mechanism in a manner substantially similar to that described above, with a forward and return stroke of piston 132 in valve 105. When the apparatus is functioning only in the low speed groups, as witha change from one low speed to another, valves 180 and 179 will remain in their normal upward positions throughout.

i The shut-olf valve 178 functions as a safety device in the event that piston 132 does not move all the way to the right when a gear change cycle in the high speed group is initiated. If handwheel 15 is turned too fast, or if dirt or other foreign matter should penetrate into the piston chamber of valve 105, piston 132 might be prevented from moving all the way to the right and might not open port 183 to constant pressure. Distributor pilot valve 179 therefore will not function to prevent the return of piston 132 to theleft until a slow spindle speed is attained, and iiuid will continue to pass in through port 211 to push piston 132 back.

` .Without shut-off valve 178 in the circuit, fluid would continuously pass in through port 206, and the gear units 138, 139 and 140 would be selectively actuated while the spindle is still atl high speed, producing a clashing of the transmission gears. Brake 12 would be applied and then released quickly thereafter, without having slowed the spindle down substantially.

With the shut-off valve 178 in the circuit, no fluid can pass to port 206 and hence to the gear shifter units unless piston 132 moves all ythe way to the right, since piston 203 blocks fluid from port 206 until port 183 is opened to pressure and pushes piston 203 upwardly. Since distributor pilot valve 179 functions simultaneously with shut-off valve 178, no gear change can take place unless the spindle has been allowed to slow down. If piston 132 makes only a partial cycle and does not open port 183 to pressure, the gears will not be changed and the operatorwill have to initiate a new cycle to obtain the gear change.

In some instances, as where it is desired to shift from a high to a low speed with a ratio of eight to one, it is not necessary `to turn handwheel 15 because no gear change is necessary. In this instance, the low speed may be quickly obtained by a light downward pressure on high-lowtrip lever 1-4. This will unseat a ball check 262 disposed in connection with port 208 of distributor timer valve 10S, l Fluid will drain from behind or to the right of piston 132, through a portion of port 208 and ball check 2 62 and out through a port 263 to drain, allowing uid entering port 182 of valve 105 to push piston 132 to theright. Piston 132 will only go through a partial cycle and will onlyV move until it has covered port 208, at which time the additional uid to the right of the piston will prevent further movement thereof. Shifting of piston 132 partially to the right will uncover ports 130 and 135 only, producing the changes described above in regard to uncovering of these two ports. Piston 109 of high-low clutchy pilot 104 will be pushed to the right, producing a disengagement of high speed clutch 7 and engagement of low speed clutch 8. Almost simultaneously the brake 12 be applied and low clutch 7 will be disengaged temporarily.v Forward clutch will also be disengaged tem- 14 porarily. The spindle will still be traveling at high speed.

At the high speed, port 237 of high-low shock valve 180 will be open to drain, and port 194 will receive iiuid from port to push piston 196 down and open port 208 in valve 105 to drain. When Wings 230 begin to close, piston 196 will be forced up again and block port 210 and thus close port 208. Since high-low trip lever l14 was only depressed momentarily, there is now no drain behind piston 132 and the piston will return to its normal position, producing changes similar to those described above. There will be no change of gears, since handwheel 15 was not turned.

The high-low shock valve functions during a change from an eight-to-one high-to-low speed to delay any return movement of piston 132 towards its initial position until the spindle is at a low speed. When the spindle reaches low speed, valve 180 will be actuated by the governor to permit piston 132 to move to the left, which will disengage the brake and engage the low speed clutch. There will be no shock on the low speed clutch, since spindle 2 has been permitted to slow down to a predetermined low speed before engagement of the clutch.

When it is desired to go back to the original high speed from low, the high-low trip lever 14 is moved upwardly momentarily to the high position. This unseats a ball check 264 at the extreme right end portion of the piston chamber of valve 105, draining the adjacent portion of the chamber through a port 265 and allowing piston 132 to travel all the way to the right and back `again to produce the full cycle substantially as described above. Again there will be no gear. shift since handwheel 15 has not been turned. On the return stroke of piston 132, port 123 in high-low clutch pilot valve 104 will be opened to drain and fluid will pass from port 187 through cam 106 to port 12S to return piston 109 to the left or high position. Lo-w speed clutch 8 will be disengaged and high speed clutch 7 will again be engaged. Y

It is desirable to include a shock absorber in the hydraulic circuit to reduce the sudden shock incident on the forward and reverse clutches when either is being engaged, as when starting the spindle. A shock absorber unit, indicated generally at 266 in Fig. 5 of the drawings, contains a pair of chambers with each chamber connected to one of the lines 96 or 99 leading to forward and reverse clutches 5 and 6 respectively. Shock absorber unit 266 may be of any suitable type.

In many instances, it is desirable to be able to jog or inch the spindle around a Slight amount to bring the spindle into a desirable position for ehucking, unchucking or the like. This may be laccomplished by use of the inching valve 53 when clutch control valve 50 is in neutral position. When spindle 2 is stopped, brake 12 is engaged and forwardand reverse clutches 5 and 6 are disengaged. Fluid will be connected from valves 50 and 52 through ports 79 and 85 to the brake.

When inching valve lever 84 is moved to the inch position, valve stem 81 will be moved downwardly to disconnect iiuid between valve 50 and brake 12 and will connect port 85 and brake piston 40 through a groove in valve stem 81 and a port 267 to drain. This will release the brake. Fluid entering at port 79 will travel through a passageway 268 in valve stem 81 and hence through a port 269. Port 269 leads to a ball check 270 which allows the iluid to escape through a port 271 t0 drain. At the same time, some of the fluid from clutch control valve 50 passes from passageway 268 to port 95 and hence to port 97 in forward clutch 5 tol engage the clutch and turn spindle 2.

Only a reduced drag pressure is necessary for clutch 5 to turn spindle 2 slightly, and this pressure can readily be regulated by adjusting ball check 270. By jogging lever 84, a jogging or inching movement of the spindle can be obtained.

When clutch control valve 50 is in neutral position and 1'5 spindle 2 fis stopped, it is often desirable .to be .able .to turn the spindle by hand. This may be accomplished by use Vof free spindle valve 51, which .is actuated through a shaft `by a lever 272 mounted von the headstock casing.

The shaft connected to lever 272 has anfeccentricportion '273 on its inner end, as shown in Fig. 6 .and :when lever 272 is turned to the free spindle position, valve stem 70 is moved from lits, normal position to-the Afright. Port 68 of clutch control valve 50 =is blocked =off from port 71 thereby and port 71 is connected through :apassageway 274 in valve stern 70 to drain, thereby `releasing brake 12 lfrom the spindle. At the vsame time, fluid ,may now pass from port 68 throughaport 275 in housing `6 9 and:

(a) Through =a line 276 to a 1port1277 leading -to an interlock piston 278, causing piston 278 to engage ,a slot in valve stern 64 of clutch control 4valve 50 vto ,prevent the operator from moving the valve to start the spindle. Interlock piston 278 is normally biased away from valve stem164'by1a spring 2 7 9;

,(12) Through line 276 simultaneously to `.a port v2.80 in free spindle pilot valve 148.7 Port 280 leads toachamberhaving a secondary piston 281 :disposed fon-reciprocating :movement therein. The opposite side of the piston chamber :leads via ports 282 and283 to the chamber within Awhich `primary piston .147 is disposed. Port 170 in shifter unit 140 connects through a 'branch :of;line 17f1 to azport .284 adjacent one end of valve 148, yand port 169 insliifterunit ,140 connects through agbranch'aofiine 168 to a port 28S adjacent the otherend of 'valve 148. Ports 170 and 285 are so disposed that secondary piston 281 will follow the motion of piston `14.7 inrunit l1.40 and'will be `to .the left or right to correspond with the :position of piston 145. When fluid enters .port 280, it willpass around suitable grooves in piston .28'1 Yandhence through either-port .282 or 283 =to move .piston 147 either to the right or the left, depending on whether .piston .147 was originally positioned .to the .left :or 'the right. Shifting of piston 147 will shiftshifter .piston 145.accnrdingly to bring the respective gear of transmission :11.out :of mesh with one of the gears on member -36 .to :free spindle 2 and allow manual turning thereof. The length of stroke of primary piston .147 is short compared .with ,thezpossible length of stroke of .piston 145 so that movement of the former will only bring transmission '.11 .out of mesh with member 36. The rod portion of piston 147 :provides a lost motion device permitting :the .dilference in possible stroke between Vpiston 147' and piston 11'45fto provide independent functioning ofthe pistons;

(c) Through line 276 to aport 286m .unit 140 which leads to gear lock piston .253v anddisengages lthe piston from one of the slots 254 to Vallow movement of .piston 145.

When it is desired to return :spindle 2 toits engaged state, lever 272 is turned to its'originalzposition which withdraws interlock piston2781from piston16`4-and again applies the brake. Tore-engage the gears, high-low trip lever 14 is moved upwardly momentarily whichdrains the chamber to the right of piston 132.so that thepiston goes Athrough `its complete cycle, as described fabove. Clutch control valve 50 is then movedlto one of thed'rive positions, resulting in :the spindle -speed indicated bythe selected position of .cam .106.

Preset level 217 makes it possible to set the headstock control for a new spindle speed inadvance of the :time when .the new speed is desired. This iSv-accomplishedby turninglever 217 to the presetpositionfso that'fball l215 is seated in valve 175 and prevents fluid from .passing from port 213 to port 216 and hence to'port2119- intimer poppet valve 176. If handwheel -15 is rnowiurned, .the iluid to the right ofpiston 132 cannot drainoutfthrough valve 176,since it is blocked by ball .215.' There-will be no cycle of-distributor .timer valve .105*,1eventhoughaa' new speed has been selected. 4

When it is desired to utilize the preset.speed,highlow f1.6 trip -lever 14 .is moved upwardly momentarily, drains the chamber to the right of piston 13 2 -throughport 265 .and allows piston 13 2 to makethe .complete cycle and produce the gearchanges commensurate with ,the preset speed setting of handwheel 15.

A suitable pressure relief valve '287 may .be disposed atany suitable Vpoint in the hydraulic circuit. Valve ,287 is shown in Fig. 4 as being disposed between pump ,line 4 4 and cascade line l91, and provides oil to .cascade l'92 when uid is not owing through the hydraulic circuit.

Various modes of carrying out `the invention are contemplated as being within the scope ,o f the following claims particularly pointing out and .distinctly planning the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

lvclaim:

l. In a headstock for lathes and the like, )a Spindle, a ysource of power, a plurality `of transmission gears for driving said spindle at selectively different speeds from said source of power, afluid-supply reservoir, apressure pump for said iluid, a uid `pressure :actuated spindle brake, a iluid pressure actuated clutch connected ;b etween said source yof power -and said spindle; a control valve for selectively conducting fluid under const antipressure from said pump .to-said Ibrake and said clutch and with said control yvalvehaving anelltralzand adrive position, `said valve normally providing .engagement of .the brake and disengagement of the .clutch when the -v.alv.e is in neutral position, and said, valve normally providing disengagement of the-brake and eugagementofvthecluteh when the valveis in a drive position; A:fluid-pressure .actuated distributor means operable to produce an :hydraulic cycle for shifting said .transmission ,gears :tochangeithe spindle speed, and pilot means connected to fsaid :fluid distributor means and said control .valve rand :with ysaid pilot means having anormal positiontwhereby :fluidris supplied from said pump to 'said control valve, fsaid pilot means having a second position awherebyfuid flowfrom said pump to said control valve :is prevented and uid between the control valve andclutchrisdrained to thereby disengage the clutch, actuation ofsaid fluid distributor means yaiiecting actuation of .said :pilot means :to move the .latter from said normal to :said second iposition duringaportion of the gearchange cycle to:therebyprovide disengagement of said clutch .when :saidcontrolvalveds in a drive position.

v2. In a headstock for lathes .and fthe like, .a spindle, a source .of power, a pluralityfof transmission gears for driving said spindle at selectively ldifferent speeds from said sourceof power, .a'vuid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said duid, afluid `pressure actuated clutch connected between `said -source of :power and :said .spindle and providing the normal operating connection therebe tween, Huid pressure actuated-.distributor:means operable to produce an hydraulccycle for shifting said transmission gears to change -the :spindle speed, gear `shifting means actuated byoperation of saidfdistributor Lmeans during said icycle, and means vactuated -fbyfoperationof said Vdistributor means during ya cycleto1providefa-re duced dragpressure on saidclutch -so=thatfsaid transmis sion gears will rotate slowlyduring-shifting thereof and will mesh properly.

3. ln a headstock forvlathes and the\like,ra spindle, va source of power, a pair of lmeshing-gears yfor driving `said spindle from said sourced-power, meansto shift 'one-'o'f said gears out of'rneshwith the other Ygear,a-iuidsupply reservoir, a pressure pump forlsaidfluid,a'iluidpressure actuated spindle brake, `a liuid pressureaetuatedclutch connected betweenrsaid,source-of=power and said spindle, control means :for selectivelyconductingiiluid from :said pump to said brake andsaidclutchfand-with saidicontrol meanshaving a .neutral .position and aspindle: drive-position, said .control :means aproviding .engagement :of #the brake and disengagement of thefclutchwhenthefcontrol means is in a neutral .-position, and manuallypperable means connectedzto ,said coutliolgmeanszto disengagetsaid l 1 7 brake when said control means is in neutral position and to act'u'ate vsaid shifting means to free the spindle and p'ennit manual turning thereof.

4. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, a gear mounted on said spindle, a transmission gear unit normally in meshing relationship with said` spindle gear and adapted to drive the spindle at selectively diiferent speeds from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump'for said fluid, a fluid pressure actuated spindle brake, a uid pressure actuated clutch connected between said source of power and said spindle, fluid pressure actuated shifting means to shift saidtransmission gear unit to change the spindle speed, control means for selectively conducting fluid fnom'said pump to said brake `and said clutch and with said control means having a neutral position and a spindle drive position, said control means providing engagement of the brake and disengagement of the clutch when the control means is in neutral position, fluid pressure actuated lost motion means connected to said shifting means to shift said transmission gear unit out of mesh with said spindle gear, and manually operable means connected tol said control means to disengage said brake when said control means is in neutral'position and to simultaneously actuate saidv lost motion means to free the-spindle and permit manual turning thereof.

5. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source iofpower, a gear mounted on said spindle, a transmission gear unit normally in meshing relationship with saidispindle gear and adapted to drive the spindle at selectively different speeds from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump' for said fluid, a iluid pressureactuated spindle brake, a fluid pressure actuated clutch connected between said source of power andsaid spindle, iluid pressure actuated shifting means to shift said transmission gear unit to change the spindle speed, control means for selectively conducting iluid from said pump to said brake and said clutch and with said control means having'a neutral position and aspindle drive position,l said control= meansV providing engagement of the brake and disengagement' of the clutch when the control means is in neutral position, said control means providing disengagement of the brake andv engagement of the clutch when the control means is in a drive position, uid pressure actuated lost motion means connected tosaid shifting means to shift said transmission gear unit out of mesh `with said spindle gear, manually operable means connected to said control means to disengage said' brake when said control means isy inv neutral position and to simultaneously actuate said lost motion means to free the spindle land permit manual turning thereof, and means actuated by said manually operable means to lock said control means in neutral position during the free spindle operation.

6. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a' spindle, a source of power, a plurality of transmission gears for driving said` spindle at selectively diiterent speeds from said source of power, a iluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump 'for said iluid, a Huid pressure actuated spindle brake, a fluid pressure actuated clutch connected between said source of power and saidV spindle; a control valve for selectively conducting fluid under constant pressure from said pump to said brake and said clutch with said control valve having aneutral and a drive' position, said valve normally providing engagement of the brake and disengagement of the clutch when the valve is in neutral position, and said valve normally providing disengagement of the brake and engagementof the clutch when the valve is in a drive position; fluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce a hydraulic cycle for shifting said transmission gears to change the spindle speed, and af brake pilot valve connected between said control valve and said brake and actuated by said fluid distributor means duringV said cycle to supply pressure iluid to said brake to engage the latterlwhen said controll valve is in a drive position to slow down said spindle.

7. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, a plurality of transmission gears for driving said spindle at selectively different speeds from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said iluid, a lluid pressure actuated spindle brake, a iluid pressure actuated clutch cormected between said source of power and said spindle; a control valve for selectively conducting uid under constant pressure from said pump tosaidV brake and said clutch with said control valve having a neutral and a drive position, said valve normally providing engagement of the brake and disengagement of the clutch when the valve is in neutral position, and said valve normally providing disengagement of the brake and engagement of the clutch when the valve is ina drive position; uid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce a hydraulic cycle for shifting said transmission gears to change the spindle speed, a brake pilot valve connected between said control valve and said brake and actuated by said iluid distributor means during said cycle to supply pressure iluid to said brake to engage the latter when said control valve is in a drive position to slowdown said spindle, and pilot means connected to said fluid distributor means and said control valve and with said pilot means having a normal position whereby Huid is supplied from said pump to said control valve, said pilot means having a second position whereby huid ilow from said pump to said control valve is preventedy and iluid between the control valve and c-lutch is drained to thereby disengage the clutch, actuation of said fluid distributor means affectingV actuation of said pilot means to move the latter from said normal to said1 second position during a portion of the gear change cycle to thereby provide disengagement of said clutch when said control valve is in a drive position.

8. In a Yheadstock for lathes and theV like having a spindle and a drive therefor, a iiuid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said iluid, a fluid pressure actuated spindle brake, a fluid pressure actuated clutch connected to said drive; a control valve for selectively conducting uid from said pump to said brake and said clutch and with said control valve `having a neutral position and a spindle drive position, said valve providing engagement of the brake and disengagement of the clutch when the valve is in a neutral position, and said valve providing disengagement of the brake and engagement of the clutch when the valve is in a drive position; and means operable to disengage said brake and engagersaid clutch when said valve is in neutral Vposition to provide an inching movement of the spindle.

9.ln a headstock for lathes and the like' having a spindle and a drive therefor, a Huid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a Huid pressure actuated spindle brake, a fluid pressure actuated clutch connected to said drive; a control valve for selectively conducting flu-id under constant pressure from said pump to said brake and said clutch and with said control valve having a neutral position and a spindle drive position, said valve providing engagement of the brake and disengagement of the clutch when the valve is in neutral position, and said valve providing disengagement of the brake and engagement of the clutch when the valve is in a position other than neutral; and means operable to disengage said brake and supply a reduced regulated drag pressure to said clutch when said valve is in neutral position to provide an inching movement of the spindle.

l0. The apparatus of claim 9 in which said means comprises a manually operable hydraulic inching valve connected between said control valve and said brake and clutch; said inching valve normally being open between said control valve and said brake when the former is in neutral' position so that the brake will be engaged, actuationlfof said inching valve disconnecting fluid between the control i valve and the brake `and opening thek brake line to drain to release the brake, actuation ofsaid inching valve also providing a flow of uid between said control valve and said clutch; and means in connection with said inching valve to drain off a regulated portion of said last named fluid to reduce the pressure of the fluid incident on said clutch.

11. In a headstock for lathes and the like having a rotary spindle and a drive therefor, a fluid supply reser- `voir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a uid pressure actuated Vspindle brake, a fluid pressure actuated spindle clutch connected to said drive, hydraulic means positionable in neutral to engage said brake and disengage said clutch when the spindle is stopped, and hydraulic means 'operable to disengage said brake and engage said clutch when said rst named means is in neutral position to provide an inching movement of the spindle.

12. In a headstock for lathes and the like having a rotary spindle and a drive therefor, a iluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said uid, a fluid pressure actuated spindle brake, a uid pressure actuated spindle clutch connected to said drive, hydraulic means positionable in neutral to engage said brake and disengage said clutch when the spindle is stopped, and hydraulic means operable to disengage said brake and supply a reduced regulated drag pressure to said clutch when said rst named means is in neutral position to provide a slow inching movement of the spindle.

13. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, means for rotatably driving said spindle at selectively different high and low speeds from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a'uid pressure actuated spindle brake, fluid actuated forward and reverse clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle; a control valve for selectively conducting uid from said pump to said brake and said clutches, said control valve having a neutral position and forward and reverse spindle drive positions; a governor mounted within said headstock for simultaneous rotation with said spindle, and fluid pressure actuated means controlled by said governor for preventing movement of said control valve from one drive position to another when the spindle is rotating at high speeds.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 in which said control valve comprises a housing having a valve stem movable therein to a plurality of positions and with the valve stem extending outwardly of the housing, and said means comprises a latch member disposed adjacent the outer portion of said valve stem and hydraulically actuated by said governor to prevent outward movement of said valve stem at high spindle speeds. 15. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, a plurality of transmission gears for driving said spindle at selectively diierent high and low speeds from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, fluid actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, fluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby shifting of said transmission gears is produced, gear shifting means actuated by operation of said distributor means during said cycle, manually positionable cam means disposed between said distributor means and said gear shifting means to selectively supply uid from the former to the latter during said cycle, and means connected between said clutches and said pump to supply uid to said clutches, said last named means being operable by said distributor means during a cycle and by said cam means to supply fluid selectively to either said high or low clutch to engage the same. l

-16. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, means for driving said spindle from said source of power, a uid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, fluid actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, fluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby the spindle speed is changed, manually positionable cam means connected to said distributor means, and means connected between said clutches and said pump to supply uid to said clutches, said last named means being actuated by said distributor means and said cam means to supply fluid selectively to either said high or low clutch `to engage the same.

17. Ina headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, means for driving said spindle from said source of power, a uid supply reservoir, apressure pump for said fluid, a uid pressure actuated spindle brake, uid pressure actuated highlandlow speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, lluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby the spindle speed is changed and with said cycle including application of said brake to said spindle, valve means connected between said clutches and said pump and beingV operable by said distributor means to supply uid to either said high or low clutchl to selectively engage the same, and means disposed between said pump and said valve means and actuated by said distributor means during a cycle to prevent the ow of( fluid to the selectively engaged clutch while the brake is engaged. p l

18. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, means for driving said spindle from said source of'power, a uid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said uid, a fluid pressure actuated spindle brake, tiuid pressure actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high'or'low speed of spindle rotation, liuid pressure actuated 'distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby .the spindle speed is changed and with said cycle including application of said brake to said spindle, gear shifting means actuated by operation of said distributor means during said cycle, manually positionable cam means disposed between said distributor means and said gear'shifting means to selectively supply fluid from the former to the latter during said cycle, valve means connected between said clutches and said pump and being operable by said distributor means and said cam means t0 supply uid to either said high or low clutch to selectively engage the same, and means disposed between said pump and said valve means and actuated by said distributor means during a cycle to preventthe ow of fluid to the selectively engaged clutch while the brake is engaged.

19. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, means for driving said spindle from said source of power, a uid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a` uid pressure actuated brake operable to slow said spindle, iluid actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, fluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby `the spindle speed is changed, manually operable means to initiate the operation of said distributor means to change the desired spindle speed, said cycle including slowing of the spindle by actuation of said brake thereto and disengagement of the high clutch and engagement of the low clutch when it is desired to shift from a high spindle speed to another speed, a governor mounted within the headstock and rotatable with said spindle, and fluid pressure actuated means responsive to the rotational speed of said governor to delay the operation of said distributor means when a shift from a high spindle speed is desired to prevent eugagement of said low clutch until said spindle has slowed down to a predetermined low speed.

20. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, a plurality of transmission gears for driving said spindle at selectively different speeds from said source of power, a iluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a fluid pressure actuated brake operable to slow said spindle, fluid actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, fluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby shifting of said transmission gears is produced, said cycle including slowing oi said spindle by actuation of said brake thereto and disengagement of the high clutch and engagement of the low clutch, a governor mounted within the headstock and rotatable with said spindle, and fluid pressure actuated means responsive to the rotational speed of said governor to delay a portion of the operation of said distributor means to prevent engagement of said low clutch until said spindle has slowed down to a predetermined low speed.

21. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, means for driving said spindle from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a fluid pressure actuated brake operable to slow said spindle, iluid actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, fluid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby the spindle speed is changed from Ia high to a low speed, said cycle including slowing of the spindle by actuation of said brake thereto and disengagement f the high clutch and engagement of the low clutch, a governor mounted Within the headstock and rotatable with said spindle, and fluid pressure actuated means responsive to the rotational speed of the governor to delay a portion of the operation of said distributor means to prevent engagement of said low clutch until said spindle has slowed down to a predetermined low speed.

22. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, a. plurality of transmission gear members for driving said spindle at selectively different speeds from said source of power, a fluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump for said fluid, a iluid pressure actuated spindle brake, fluid pressure actuated high and low speed clutches connected between said source of power and said spindle with engagement of one of said clutches providing a corresponding high or low speed of spindle rotation, a gear shifter unit disposed in engagement with each transmission gear member and actuated by iluid pressure to shift the corresponding gear member to change the spindle speed, a iiuid pressure operated distributor valve disposed between said pump and said gear shifter units with said valve having a piston adapted to reciprocate therein to produce an hydraulic cycle whereby said gear shifter units are actuated, means responsive to the cycling position of said valve piston to disengage said high clutch and engage said brake when a change from a given high speed to another speed is desired, a governor mounted within the headstoclc and rotatable with said spindle, a pilot valve disposed between said pump and said distributor valve with said pilot valve being responsive to the rotational speed of said governor and operable by said distributor valve when said piston is at a given position to delay a portion of the operation of said piston after said brake has been applied until said spindle has slowed to a predetermined low speed, and means disposed between said pump and said distributor valve to prevent the flow of fluid to said gear shifter units until said piston has reached said given position in the cycle to prevent a gear change until said spindle has reached a low speed of rotation.

23. In a headstock for lathes and the like, a spindle, a source of power, a plurality of transmission `gears for driving said spindle at selectively different speeds from said source of power, a iluid supply reservoir, a pressure pump `for said uid, a fluid pressure `actuated clutch connected between said source of power and said spindle, uid pressure actuated distributor means operable to produce an hydraulic cycle for shifting said transmission gears to change the spindle speed, gear shifting means actuated by operation of said distributor means during said cycle; and means actuated by operation of said distributor means during a cycle to provide a reduced drag pressure on said clutch so that said transmission gears will rotate slowly during shifting thereof Iand will mesh properly, said distributor actuated means comprising, a pilot Valve disposed between said pump and said clutch and normally open therebetween, and a pressure regulating Valve providing a by-pass for said pilot valve when the latter is actuated by operation of said distributor means, said pressure regulating valve bleeding ott a regulated amount of fluid so that the uid incident on the clutch is at a reduced pressure.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

